Augustine Ancient Thought Baptized [Paperback]

A detailed and accurate account of the character and effects of Augustine's thought.This book provides a detailed and accurate account of the character and effects of Augustine's thought as a whole. Professor Rist outlines the fundamental themes in Augustine's theology and philosophy, and indicates how his chief concerns may speak to us more intelligibly.' masterful study ... Rist places [Augustine] firmly in the tradition of classical philosophy and uncovers the intellectual unease which made him a deep and original thinker'. John Marenbon, The TimesThis book provides a detailed and accurate account of the character and effects of Augustine's thought as a whole. Professor Rist outlines the fundamental themes in Augustine's theology and philosophy, and indicates how his chief concerns may speak to us more intelligibly.' masterful study ... Rist places [Augustine] firmly in the tradition of classical philosophy and uncovers the intellectual unease which made him a deep and original thinker'. John Marenbon, The TimesThe aim of this work is to show how Augustine adapted a deeply Platonic outlook to the new world of Christianity, and how he constructed a vision in which Platonism and Christianity pointed in the same direction. Augustine is skillfully contextualized, while the enduring, if often unpopular, power of his claims on a variety of topics is discussed in a manner that puts a fresh perspective on some of his chief concerns. These include: divine and human love; marriage and sexuality; the lust for power; and God's providence and omnipotence.Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; Works of Augustine; Notes on chronology; Bibliographical note; 1. Approaching Augustine; 2. Words, signs and things; 3. Certainty, belief and understanding; 4. Soul, body and personal identity; 5. Will, love and right action; 6. Individuals, social institutions and political life; 7. Evil, justice and divine omnipotence; 8. Augustinus redivivus; Appendix 1: Porphyry's account of the seló